The GCCA says the guidelines support its Sustainability Charter implementation and represent a collaborative effort by GCCA member companies to improve overall performance in biodiversity management and the rehabilitation of quarries. It adds that member companies will use the guidelines to implement agreed good practices as well as a framework for reporting progress against key performance indicators (KPIs).
The association says that minimising the impact of extraction activity is a priority for the cement and concrete industry globally. Creating new habitats through rehabilitation and mitigation is already established practice in many countries, and the GCCA says its new guidelines will help to support the broader adoption of these practices across the sector.
Benjamin Sporton, GCCA chief executive, commented: "These new guidelines are an important example of the ongoing collaborative work being undertaken by GCCA members to bring about improvements in performance across our industry. Biodiversity is just one area where collaboration and the sharing of good practice can bring about very positive outcomes for stakeholders, including the local communities where our members operate."
Among the priority areas covered by the new guidelines are the inclusion of social, economic and environmental considerations for the future use of the sites once extraction activity ceases as well as relevant legislative requirements. The guidelines also advocate progressive rehabilitation where possible during the lifetime of a quarry. Stakeholder involvement and consultation is also recommended at all stages, as is ensuring restoration and biodiversity plans are in place before the commencement of extraction activities at new sites.
In addition to the new guidelines, the GCCA has also joined 'Business for Nature', a global coalition bringing together influential organisations and forward-thinking businesses with the aim of demonstrating action to reverse nature loss.
Eva Zabey, executive director of Business for Nature, said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome GCCA to Business for Nature. Now more than ever, the business community has its part to play and is uniting behind and calling on governments to protect ecosystems. We are looking forward to working with GCCA to further incorporate nature into the heart of the mainstream business, finance and government decision-making."
